Recently The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) addressed public backlash over the release of non-native fish in Lake Shah Alam through a Facebook statement.
They clarified that the fish release was part of a symbolic gesture for an upcoming fishing event and aimed to help maintain a balanced ecosystem in the lake by controlling species and fish populations.
“Since when have invasive species made a positive impact?”
An environmental conservation group took to Facebook to express their views on MBSA’s explanation, saying that their “excuses” were full of “nonsense points.”
In their post, they questioned MBSA’s rationale for releasing the fish, asking when invasive species have ever had a positive impact on Malaysia’s waters.
The caption reads:
“We’ve been observing the harmful effects of invasive non-native fish for decades, not just today. We’ve conducted studies and gathered data. Where did you get your information for this statement? From ChatGPT?”
“The info was unclear, incomplete and confusing”
In response to MBSA’s comment about there being “no ban on releasing the Pangasianodon Hypophthalmus into public waters based on the poster,” the environmental organisation pointed out a few key things.
They asked,
“Did MBSA refer to the poster about non-native fish that are banned from being released into public waters? Sure, it’s not listed there because what you’re looking at is a list of fish that are banned from being imported, sold, owned, or released. That’s not the same as a list of invasive non-native fish.”
They also highlighted that this confusion is a mistake by the Malaysian Fisheries Department (DOF) because the information given was allegedly unclear and confusing, but they confirmed that the Siamese Catfish (Patin Siam) is indeed on the list of invasive non-native fish.
“The real issue here is, when did MBSA actually refer to this? Only after it became a problem? Now you’re trying to play the victim?” they added.
“No one from MBSA attended the meeting”
The organisation pointed out that MBSA claimed they would check with the Fisheries Department before releasing any fish. However, based on their findings, the Selangor State Fisheries Department allegedly hasn’t received any calls from MBSA about choosing fish species or this release program at all.
The organisation also highlighted saying,
“The Selangor Fisheries Department had previously invited MBSA to a briefing on invasive fish, but no one from MBSA attended.”
They continued to express their disappointment and disagreement, emphasising that MBSA’s public release of invasive fish was unacceptable.
“It’s not hard to admit mistakes, apologise, and take responsibility. I also urge the Malaysian Fisheries Department and the Selangor State Fisheries Department to take action because MBSA clearly violated the Fisheries Department’s rules by releasing fish that is not on the list of those allowed for this purpose.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!
